Black Creek Pioneer Village EcoSchools Stories 2009 - 2010
EcoSchools Highlights 2009 - 2010
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Survey
In 2009, Black Creek embarked on an exciting project. This was to begin the process of conducting a detailed survey of our Visitors Centre with a view to efficiencies and possible LEED building status in the future. Working with the TREEISM group, an environmental management checklist was completed. Then a study was commenced under a variety of headings including energy and atmosphere, operational systems, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and other areas. A lot is considered - from light bulbs to how pests are managed and supplies obtained. Over time, the goal is to strive for LEED building status and to make the Visitors Centre, a building close to thirty years old, as environmentally friendly as possible. A lot of work - a noble goal!
Waste Not - Want Not
This education program was launched in 2009. It combines the uses of trees, water, the land, crops and livestock with discussions and demonstrations about the early settlers. One of the goals is to assist students in understanding how the pioneers shaped their environment and the development of their communities. Students learn what effects early Canadians had on the land and compare the influence we have on our environment today. They have a lot of fun, take a practical look at life and leave with ideas on how to be a good environmental citizen in your own community.
Black Creek Historic Brewery
During the 2009 season, the Village opened its own historic brewery after a hectic few months. And what does a brewery have to do with the environment? Well, quite a lot! Brewing was a popular trade in the 1800s and remains so today. Apart from the research, programs and construction to complete, it was important for us to think about any environmental impacts as well. So, natural products go in and natural products come out. It all provides opportunities to demonstrate a number of natural processes. By-products are basically some warm water, the beer, and mash left over from the process. The mash is composted and goes in our gardens, the glass bottles are re-used and the beer is a very wholesome and natural product! In 2010 we also started to grow a garden of hops that can be used in the brewing process and complement the historic programs. Only natural fertilizer is used - and the hops are now reaching for the sky!
